Padded Cycling Shorts Protect Your Bottom
When you first start out cycling you may pretty much figure that you know what you need to as far as what kind of shorts to wear when you are riding. However, as you progress in your cycling, start traveling longer distances in various types of weather, and through different types of terrain, you may discover real quick that those shorts you thought were good for bike riding just aren’t cutting it.
Hey, you’re not alone. In fact, I would venture to say that the majority of cyclists start out thinking that those snazzy looking shorts you got at the sporting goods store are just fine and dandy. But the reality is that if you are planning on becoming an avid cyclist who is going to be logging in long miles you need to choose your cycling shorts appropriately. You want the maximum in comfort and functionality and that is what we will cover here. Okay, let’s begin.
Before we go further though, make sure that whatever shorts you decide to wear when riding, that they are specifically designed with cycling in mind. Okay, now on to the types. If you are planning to ride upwards of 10 miles, you may want to consider padded cycling shorts. They may not be the most pleasing to the eye, but hey, we are talking comfort here.
You also want to get a pair that has smooth seamless padding. This will greatly decrease your chances of getting what are called in the cycling world “saddle sores.” Definitely avoid using any type of gel inserts. The reason being is that they have plastic in them. And we all know that plastic traps moisture, which can lead to a great deal of irritation.
You definitely want your cycling shorts to be as stretchable as possible. To that end, you may want spandex material. The lighter they are the more comfortable they will be, but do be advised that they will not last as long as the heavier material. But again, remember, we want the maximum in comfort, right?
The hardest core cycling enthusiasts tend to lean toward the bib type shorts due to the fact that they do not rub against the waist line. And they also have a tendency to keep the cyclist cooler. In fact most avid cyclists usually have more than a few different types of shorts.
One important thing to keep in mind is not to take a cookie-cutter approach to buying cycling shorts. We all have different bodies and what works for one cyclist may not work for you. And one other thing, for the most part with cycling shorts; you do get what you pay for.
And lastly, when deciding upon your cycling shorts, keep in mind what your personal needs are. Are you going to be carrying lots of stuff? You may want to consider a pair with lots of pockets. Keep things like that in mind and choose accordingly. And with that said, enjoy your cycling.
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